This walk is a
lovely sscenic one from Blanefield to Killearn of nearly six miles along the upper
eastern slope of the valley.
The Campsie Fells, with their
impressive cliffs, tower above you on the east side of the valley, the Arrochar Alps are constantly in
view to the north west and on the latter part of the walk, Ben Lomond comes into sight.
This is a linear walk along a wide track so is easy to follow.
Getting back to ‘the start point is simple - there is a bus service
from Killearn to Blanefield, Milngavie and Glasgow.
The walk starts opposite the Blane Valley Inn in Blanefield where the No 10 bus
from Milngavie stops.
Cross the road, turn left towards the War Memorial and take the Campsie
Dene road to its very end.
There you enjoy the first view of the extinct volcano of Dumgoyne and as you emerge onto open moorland
the Campsie Fells rise steeply on
your right hand side. The horizontal ledges of their cliff faces show
where successive lava flows had once tumbled into the valley from
volcanos 300 million years ago.
On the other side of the valley are gentle hills and ahead to the north
west are the Arrochar Alps.
The all-weather track built for access to the water pipeline that
carries water from Loch Katrine to the Milngavie reservoirs, ensures that
its surface is good for walking even in wet weather. The track
follows the pipeline closely which means that it maintains the same
contour, well above the valley floor throughout its length.
The track skirts woods, generally quite small, which are interspersed
with open moor and pastures, ensures that you experience superb
views of the valley and hills for most of the walk.
On the outskirts of Killearn, you go through two
metal pedestrian gates that give access to a path alongside the outer
edge of the houses and thence onto a quiet road flanked by large
mansions.
At the oldest of these, Auchenibert, turn left and go downhill to the
entrance to Ibert Farm and House, where you again tum left down to the
main street of Killearn.
Turn right and walk up to the corner where you will see the lofty
obelisk - monument to George Buchanan the local man who became tutor to
the young Scottish King, James IV.
Again turn to the right along the street where is good food and drink
at the Old Mill pub and restaurant,
There is a bus stop outside the Old Mill for the return to your
starting point.
:: Dumbreck
& Ballagan Glen Gallery 
:: Dumgoyne & Campsie
Fells 
